Propagation of Ornamental Plants
8(1): 3-8, 2008
PROPAGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT IN VITRO OF MYRTLE (MYRTUS COMMUNIS L.), POMEGRANATE (PUNICA GRANATUM L.) AND MULBERRY (MORUS ALBA L.)
Carmine Damiano*, Maria D. Arias Padro, and Andrea Frattarelli
CRA-Fruit Tree Research Center, 00134 Rome, Italy, *E-mail: isf.propag@mclink.it
Abstract
Studies on the in vitro propagation ability of three species grown in the Mediterranean region (myrtle, pomegranate and mulberry) have been carried out in order to find an efficient propagation protocol. In particular the aptitude to growth under in vitro conditions, the micropropagation rate, the rooting percentage and the acclimatization phase were analysed. The myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is an interesting plant with multipurpose use. As ornamental plant it is used for the production of green cut branches for indoor decoration and for pot plant for gardening. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and mulberry (Morus alba L.) are also attractive ornamental plants. Moreover these species are interesting for their pharmaceutical properties as well as for their alimentary use. Axillary shoots have been successfully sterilised using a combination of NaOCl and Na merthiolate for 20 min.; the percentage of sterile explants of 65% was obtained. The shoots of the pomegranate were multiplied onto a basal medium QL with BA (0.4 mg l-1) and IBA (0.05 mg l-1); MS medium with BA (0.6 mg l-1), NAA (0.01 mg l-1) and GA3 (0.1 mg l-1) was used for myrtle; MS added with BA (1.0 mg l-1) for mulberry. Rooting was induced in all the species using IAA or IBA (0.75 or 1.0 or 2.0 mg l-1). All the species showed a good aptitude for multiplication and rooting.
Key words: micropropagation, ornamentals, rooting in vitro, underutilized plants
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